Divers flock back to Egypt’s Red Sea resorts

Nora Faraj -

The diving industry is making a comeback in Egypt, particularly in the Red Sea resort town of Dahab, which boasts some of the world’s best diving sites, such as the Canyon, where these divers are seen testing the waters.

Frank Vahrenhorst, diving organizer at the H20 Dive Center says the diving conditions are suitable for both beginner and advanced divers.

Reef fish can be spotted less than one meter from the shoreline in some areas.

“Even the courses here are very nice to do here because the visibility is very good.

There’s hardly any current and basically we have swimming pool like conditions and the marine life here is absolutely stunning.”

Before Egypt’s revolution began 18 months ago, the popular Red Sea coast was seen as a safe tourist destination despite sporadic terrorist attacks.

Tourism always bounced back, as European tourists flocked to the area on a seasonal basis looking to do water sports, desert treks, or simply to relax and enjoy the sun.

“I’ve only dived in the Red Sea. I’m only diving since six months, but I love it. I came here on a vacation for three weeks and two months later I came back.

And now I’ve been here for already two months, always diving, diving.”

The recent national unrest however has put a firm dampener on Red Sea resorts, as they have observed a steep decline in tourism, with some tourists fearing the ongoing unrest.

Others like Belgian visitor Bram Te Rijdt says politics shouldn’t hinder local business.

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